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Fabric Selector Guide →

Honeywell First Responder Products Fabric Selector Guide

Outer Shells The outer shell represents the first line of defense for the firefighter. Its main purpose is to provide flame, thermal, and abrasion resistance to the outermost exposed area of the turnout gear system.Water shedding is also an important characteristic of outer shells and the reason that they are treated with durable water-repellant finishes. Outer shells possess differentiating attributes that are significantly influenced by the chemistry of the fiber, the blend, and the weave. It is important to note that all outer shells meeting the NFPA standard are third-party tested to help provide firefighters with dependable protection against the hazards described above.

Selecting the right outer shell is a function of matching key attributes with the unique needs of each fire department. 2

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, before using any of these products in actual firefighting situations, you must evalu- ate the product thoroughly, follow all instructions and undergo all training relating to such product, and determine if the product is suitable for the intended application. We have described the hazards of which we are aware, but we cannot guarantee that these are the only hazards. Failure to follow all product instructions and undergo all applicable training could lead to serious personal injury or death. Honeywell First Responder Products assumes no liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein.

High: Far exceeds in relative performance. Good: Exceeds in relative performance. Moderate: Average in relative performance. All weights are nominal.

Thermal Liners The thermal liner is the third layer and closest to the body – considered a critical component of the turnout system.Typically, it consists of a multi-layer combination that includes a facecloth fabric quilted to a single layer of needle punched or several layers of spunlaced batting.When combined with the moisture barrier, the inner liner is responsible for a significant part of the thermal protection (up to 70%) of a turnout system.The main function of the thermal liner is to minimize, to a safer level, the amount of heat transfer from the firefighting environment to the body of the firefighter. It follows that the thermal liner is the major contributor to the TPP (Thermal Protective Performance) rating of a turnout system. The facecloth enhances mobility by minimizing the friction between the wearer’s skin and clothing against the turnout and contributes to the effective water management for overall comfort.

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, before using any of these products in actual firefighting situations, you must evalu- ate the product thoroughly, follow all instructions and undergo all training relating to such product, and determine if the product is suitable for the intended application. We have described the hazards of which we are aware, but we cannot guarantee that these are the only hazards. Failure to follow all product instructions and undergo all applicable training could lead to serious personal injury or death. Honeywell First Responder Products assumes no liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein.

High: Far exceeds in relative performance. Good: Exceeds in relative performance. Moderate: Average in relative performance. All weights are nominal.

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, before using any of these products in actual firefighting situations, you must evalu- ate the product thoroughly, follow all instructions and undergo all training relating to such product, and determine if the product is suitable for the intended application. We have described the hazards of which we are aware, but we cannot guarantee that these are the only hazards. Failure to follow all product instructions and undergo all applicable training could lead to serious personal injury or death. Honeywell First Responder Products assumes no liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein.

Moisture Barriers The moisture barrier is the second layer of the turnout gear system, consisting primarily of a barrier laminated to a fabric substrate. The barrier layer is designed to permit the transfer of perspiration vapor while blocking external liquid penetration.The fabric substrate acts to protect the barrier and contributes marginally to the overall thermal protection. Moisture barriers allow body heat in the form of perspiration vapor to escape for heat stress relief. They also provide liquid penetration resistance against blood, body fluids, NFPA common chemicals*, and water, helping the firefighter stay dry and protected.When tested in comparison to a urethane-only barrier technology, an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) combination barrier provides higher levels of breathability and durability. Lightweight moisture barriers that use Nomex® and Kevlar® nonwoven and woven substrates offer enhanced comfort.

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, before using any of these products in actual firefighting situations, you must evalu- ate the product thoroughly, follow all instructions and undergo all training relating to such product, and determine if the product is suitable for the intended application. We have described the hazards of which we are aware, but we cannot guarantee that these are the only hazards. Failure to follow all product instructions and undergo all applicable training could lead to serious personal injury or death. Honeywell First Responder Products assumes no liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein.

High: Far exceeds in relative performance. Good: Exceeds in relative performance. Moderate: Average in relative performance. All weights are nominal.

Turnout Gear System Performance characteristics of turnout gear are determined by the choice of combined fabric components. Fire-protective clothing typically consists of three layers: outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal liner. Each layer serves specific multiple functions and, as a composite, is expected to help provide the firefighter with adequate heat, flame, liquid, chemical, and mechanical protection. DuPont™ Nomex® and Kevlar® provide proven protection, durability and comfort from the inside out. 70% of a turnout’s thermal protection comes from the inner components of DuPont™ Nomex® and Kevlar®.